HC Deb 07 March 1910 vol 14 cc1149-50
Mr. JOHN WARD

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether his attention has been called to the house famine in West Fife and the lack of decent accommodation for the workmen at the new dock works, Rosyth; and, if so, will he say what action he proposes to take to deal with the subject?

Mr. McKENNA

It has not been the policy of the Admiralty to arrange for housing contractors' workmen. Having regard to the magnitude of the operations at Rosyth, and the number of years which will elapse before their completion, and the absence of any existing provision for housing workmen at Rosyth on a scale adequate to the prospective needs, the Admiralty placed a site at the disposal of the contractors. This site can be used for no other purpose than that of the erection of workmen's dwellings.

Mr. JOHN WARD

Has the right hon. Gentleman's attention been drawn to an article in the "Glasgow Herald" of 23rd February last, describing a most disgraceful condition of affairs with reference to the housing of workmen working under the right hon. Gentleman's department?

Mr. McKENNA

I have not seen the article to which the hon. Member refers, but if he will mention to me the date of the paper I will take care to see it.